Crossing the Axis - The Commercial Side of Film Production

The commercial production landscape is changing, and directors have more options than ever. While the traditional model of exclusive production company rosters still works for some, the rise of freelance directing is creating new opportunities. But how do you decide which path is right for you?

I sat down with Luke Lashley, founder of Departure, a production company that’s actively moved away from the roster-model, preferring to wor...

Change is hard—but it’s essential to longevity. In this episode of Crossing the Axis, I sit down with Craig Brooks, co-founder of Kontent Partners, a film and photography production services company, to discuss how embracing change has fueled nearly 20 years of success in production.

We explore the risks they’ve taken—launching new ventures and adopting a new system for growing business and improving operations even though the curre...

This episode is for production company owners who want to elevate their value when working directly with brand clients, stepping into roles traditionally held by ad agencies. As more brands bring strategy and creative in-house, production companies have an opportunity to partner more closely, helping these teams meet their goals through strategic insights and expertise. In this agency crash course, Alex Cohn, who leads production a...

In this special episode, I sit down with Blair Enns—founder of Win Without Pitching, author of the industry-shifting book of the same name, and co-host of the hugely popular 2Bobs podcast. Blair’s newest book, The Four Conversations, breaks down the critical discussions every business should master for success: the Probative Conversation (positioning and marketing), the Qualifying Conversation (maintaining the expert position), the...

Get ready for an insider’s perspective on winning the client-side game in this conversation with Kevin Knutson, a seasoned industry leader in creative marketing, content strategy, production, and brand development. With a career shaped by roles at outdoor brands like REI, Filson, and Eddie Bauer, Kevin now serves as the Creative Director at Mod Pizza. In this episode, he offers insights on what truly resonates with clients when pro...

Join this information-packed crash-course discussion with Amy Balliett on getting your production company acquired. Amy is the founder of Killer Visual Strategies (formerly Killer Infographics), who built and successfully sold her company to Material, a global strategic consulting firm. In this episode, Amy shares detailed insights into what production company owners need to know about building for an exit strategy. Whether you’re ...

Hear Rob Meyers from Versus, a NYC-based creative production studio that has built a stellar reputation for its culture-defining work and client-centric solutions since 2013. Rob shares actionable insights on effective account management, breaking down how Versus cultivates long-term relationships with major clients. He offers strategies for building trust, retaining clients, and successfully pitching ideas. The conversation dives ...

In this episode of Crossing the Axis, we’re joined by Alex Portera from Rally on Media, a powerhouse in the production world, to uncover the secrets of running productions at scale. With over 100 projects completed each year, Alex knows a thing or two about keeping the gears turning smoothly. He’ll share his approach to managing this high volume of work, from planning and logistics to execution and client satisfaction. If you’re a ...

Join us for a chat with Jeff Oswalt, owner of 14Four, a digital marketing agency known for creating unforgettable campaigns. Jeff shares how in-person client visits and face-to-face interactions have driven his agency’s success for nearly two decades. Discover practical advice on preparing for sales trips, building genuine relationships, and avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you’re an experienced agency owner or just starting out, ...

Listen to hear Anthony Santa, Director of Sports & Entertainment at Diamond View, a production company based in Tampa, Florida, share their path to successful experiences in the world of sports marketing. Anthony discusses effective ways to market production services to sports clients and offers practical advice that production companies can immediately implement. Listeners will gain an understanding of how to position your com...

Discover what it takes to expand internationally with Ryan Christopher McGuire of Cutters Studios, a commercial film production company based in Tokyo. From finding clients to scouting talent and managing resources, Ryan sheds light on the challenges and victories of setting up shop abroad, offering a treasure trove of insights for those looking to take their production efforts worldwide. Whether you’re just starting your company o...

Dive into the innovative—and risky—world of proactive sales with Aaron Straight, Founder of the film studio Soulcraft Allstars. Moving beyond traditional sales methods that rely on clients voicing their needs first, Aaron has built a remarkable track record by uncovering untapped opportunities before they are even visible to the client. Using the recent success of his "Western Flyer" project (narrated by Nick Offerman) as a case st...

Is it time for your production company to partner with a sales rep? The right sales representative can provide industry insights, valuable relationships, and a network of contacts to secure lucrative opportunities. But making this decision hinges on factors like your company's goals, size, and resources. Join us as we explore this critical topic with Doug Stephen, a leading Midwest rep and seasoned professional with over two decade...

In a client-driven business, developing and maintaining relationships is essential for growth. Join my conversation with Steve Holm, CEO of Copper, to learn why a Client Relationship Management (CRM) system is critical for your sales strategy, and how it can revolutionize client relationships, streamline processes, and boost profitability. Steve is a career product designer on a mission to develop the ultimate CRM system tailored f...

Explore the transformative power of diversity in the advertising industry with Tony Fulgham, owner of the commercial film studio All is Well, as he unveils a behind the scenes story of launching a year-long BIPOC internship program. Discover the motivations behind this initiative, the challenges and hurdles to overcome, and the unexpected rewards it offered. From inception to execution, learn how All is Well navigated finding and h...

Prepare to be enlightened in this must-listen episode featuring the insightful Anne Milan Alo, a luminary in the world of marketing and business development. Anne, with her extensive experience, delves deep into the art of attracting clients. She opens up about the dos and don'ts for agencies seeking to catch her eye, offering an invaluable perspective from the client's side. Discover Anne's preferred communication strategies, from...

Ever wondered about the perks and challenges of becoming a union signatory? Dive into our latest episode where Melissa Purcell, a Business Agent for IATSE 488, sheds light on the myriad advantages, from tapping into a reservoir of top-tier talent to landing projects that demand union involvement. But with great benefits come responsibilities. Discover the intricacies of union regulations, the commitment to fair pay, and the reasons...

Paul Killebrew boasts experience as both a seller and buyer within the production industry. His tenure in sales cultivated his fondness for smaller boutique production firms over larger ones. Now, with nearly a decade on the buying side, Paul has honed distinct views on what captures his attention and fosters enduring partnerships. Tune in to glean insights and best practices for collaborating with clients who genuinely root for yo...

In the business of commercial film production, making brand case-studies are often seen as just a step above an infomercial. But that’s when they are done poorly. When executed well, they can transcend advertising and become content that not only provides information but also entertains and delights. That’s the value proposition SHEP Films offers their clients. Listen to hear Brice Budke talk about how the team at SHEP Films utiliz...